What's your motivation?

Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. 

Over the last week, I've been asked the same question by several different people; 

"Where do you find your motivation?"

Motivation to workout, eat clean, keep a running schedule, run marathons...

The truth is my motivation has always been for myself, my husband, and my family.
Heart disease and diabetes runs in my family, I want to do everything in my power to prevent it happening to me, to be a role model to Savannah, and to be strong and healthy for Allan.

To prove to myself that I am worth it, that my health is important!  Because of that motivation, to be healthy for ME, things like my workouts, food choices, and love to run has turned my motivation into habit.

I can honestly tell you it (eating clean & working out) is no longer is a chore.
I ABSOLUTELY love a good workout.
I love setting health & fitness goals and accomplishing them.
I love inspiring people.
I love getting stronger both physically and mentally.

Allan (my husband) is really kinda funny about it.  He is one of my biggest supporters but just the other night he said, Sometimes I miss the Hillary that would pig out on pizza and ice cream with me.  The Hillary who just didn't care.  And although I have "treat meals" each week, my idea of food and "treats" are completely different.

My mindset towards food & fitness has been transformed through eating clean and working out. 

Now, a serving of Oreos will do.
A handful of M&M's is good.
A hamburger is a nice treat.
My comfort is no longer in food.
I have a healthy relationship with food.

One of the biggest adjustments in my journey is that I have taken the time to learn about healthy foods and made the choice to begin cooking clean meals... my mind has changed on what foods I crave.

I had to teach myself to love the foods that love my body.

Now don't get me wrong... I have days when I absolutely BLOW IT!
But everyday is a NEW DAY!

A new day to push myself further, to eat cleaner, to make a new recipe..

My motivation has also been the Lord...
There is something very special about my time working out.
I truly enjoy the conversations, prayers, and worship that happens in my time on the road running or in my basement lifting, or doing workout programs.

I've compared myself to others for far too long.  I have learned to love my body, the way God has created me.  It's not about competing against anyone, being faster or better than a friend, it's about being better than what I use to be, about PROGRESS!  My progress.

It's no longer motivation but habit.
If I'm sick or miss a workout, I truly miss it.
I created a habit and now, my body automatically wakes up ready to workout.
I got rid of soda, greasy, processed/fast-food, low-fat foods, refined sugar and often times when I "treat" myself with those things, I often regret the choice... it's not enjoyable.

I have been amazed at what eating clean & working out has done not just to my body but to my mind.

What once started out as a desire to be healthy for myself and my family, forcing myself out of bed, pushing myself to run longer, finish the program, and walk away from the soda is and now habit and something I absolutely look forward to every day!

What's your motivation?
Do you need accountability to reach those goals, keep motivated, and reach your health & fitness goals?  I'd love to help you reach those goals!  Message me for more information!